49ers training camp: Updated bubble watch after opening cuts
By Peter Panacy
49ers Running Back
Lock: Kyle Juszczyk, Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon, Raheem Mostert
Strong Bubble: Jeff Wilson Jr.
Weak Bubble: Salvon Ahmed*, JaMycal Hasty*
Long Shot: Josh Hokit*
Jeff Wilson is on the reserve/COVID-19 list. But even if he returns in time and is cleared, he’s by no means guaranteed a roster spot.
Behind the likely trio of Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon and Raheem Mostert, it’s likely head coach Kyle Shanahan will want to add a fourth body to guard against injury and offer up a different skill set. The undrafted rookie, Salvon Ahmed out of Washington, has a similar skill set to another tailback the 49ers parted ways with this offseason, now-Miami Dolphins tailback Matt Breida. Another UDFA, JaMycal Hasty, has similar traits to McKinnon, although the former’s pass-protection skills need a lot of work.
Both Ahmed and Hasty are excellent candidates for the practice squad if neither is able to crack the 53-man roster.
The same goes for Fresno fullback Josh Hokit. Why? Well, the starting fullback, Kyle Juszczyk, is entering a contract year. Given San Francisco’s relatively precarious salary cap situation entering 2021, it might be too difficult for the team to retain the older, more-expensive Juszczyk on a new deal.
That opens the door for Hokit to potentially take over lead-blocking duties in 2021.